Equities retreat as Powell dampens Fed Sept cut hopes | N18G
U.S. stocks closed well off earlier highs after a choppy session on Wednesday (July 30), as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell chilled expectations the central bank might be poised to cut rates at its September meeting.
In keeping rates unchanged, as was widely expected, the central bank said “the unemployment rate remains low, and labor market conditions remain solid. Inflation remains somewhat elevated,” in a split decision that saw two governors dissent.
Stocks were modestly higher before the Fed statement as investors assessed the first reading of second-quarter economic growth, which was stronger than expected, but underlying details indicated an economy that was likely losing strength.